Parents’ Guide to Oakland’s Park Blvd.

This hyperlocal tour of Oakland was contributed by Chantal Laurie, who works for Teach For America and sits on the Board of Habitot.Chantal has two young children and lives close to Park Blvd.

The Glenview neighborhood in Oakland is small enough that you might miss it if you blink too many times while driving down Park Boulevard, but vibrant enough that you’ll be envious of anyone who’s claiming the district as their home. Filled with single family homes and nestled between Montclair, Piedmont, and Crocker Highlands, it’s an ideal spot to raise a family.

Plenty of restaurants on or around Park Boulevard are both child friendly and appetizing to any discerning adult. My husband and daughter frequent Marzano for a Friday evening Rob Roy and Shirley Temple and often indulge in the delicious Quattro Formaggi pizza. Sushi Park, while small, is incredibly accommodating to families and serves up might delicious rolls. And, just off Park Blvd is Red Boy pizza which makes a mean sourdough crust.

If you’re looking for a few good playground options, there’s a great astrofield at Glenview Elementary’s playground which is open on the weekends (soccer, anyone?) and a terrific play structure at Corpus Christi school as well. Dimond Park is always a faithful stand-by for some quality slides and swings.

In terms of activities – the East Bay Dance Center is supposed to be terrific. My little ones are too young to partake in the likes of ballet and tap quite yet – but rest assured my daughter will enroll as soon as she can spell tutu. What four-year old wouldn’t be compelled by a class centered around the beloved Angelina Ballerina character?

The local fire station, located at 3600 13th Avenue, is filled with the friendliest of fire fighters. We recently dropped off some holiday cocoa to thank them for their good work and received a firehouse tour complete with complimentary plastic fire hat! They couldn’t have been more gracious or welcoming.

Finally, it’s never too early (in my humble opinion) to introduce a child to the fine experience of a pedicure. The folks at Femimacus Nails are great with kids and paint wee toe nails free of charge.

My 4 year old takes the Angelina Ballerina class at East Bay Dance Center and LOVES it — Miss Bonnie, the teacher, is just wonderful with the kids.
Thanks for giving me some ideas of other things to do in the area, since we’re there once a week:)